Mind Sports South Africa's (MSSA) blog on competitive gaming in South Africa from proto-computer gaming all the way through to the most modern. For more about MSSA go to: https://www.facebook.com/mindsportssa/

Monday, 6 October 2014

Finland shows its strength!

One of the biggest problems that all South African sport has, is the
lack of international competitive experience.

It is largely due to the lack of sufficient funds that many of South
Africa's teams are prohibited from participating in enough
international competition.

Thus, through the IeSF's international on-line test matches, South
Africa is afforded the opportunity to play against the best teams in
the world and to prepare for the annual world championships at a
fraction of the cost.

The MSSA thus uses the on-line test series to help prepare the team
for the rigours of the world championships as well as to continually
evaluate not only the South African Protea team, but also the other
international teams.

Thus on Saturday, 4 October 2014, South Africa took on Finland.

The Finnish team boasts of many of the world's top players, and,
arguably, the Finnish team is one of the most dominant teams in
world eSports.

Thus, South Africa knew what was at stake as well as the fact that
the South African team were clearly the underdogs.

The test match was to be played in two titles, being StarCraft II
and Dota 2.

Unfortunately the one game of StarCraft II had to be cancelled due
to connectivity issues. The game involved Yolandi 'Ananke' Williams
who was to play from Wits University. Even though Wits has an
incredible internet connection, it proved not to be reliable enough
for the test match and such game was cancelled. Of course Yolandi
was saddened by the cancellation as she was looking forward to a
rematch against Niina "Soyhi" Kahela (Finland) whom Yolandi had
faced off against at the 2013 IeSF World Championships - Bucharest.

In the StarCraft II match between Nathan 'Static' Anderson (SA) and
Vesa "Welmu" Hovinen (Finland), Nathan lost both games. However, it
must be noted that Vesa is arguably one of the top players outside
Korea. On examining the replays, it is absolutely clear that Nathan
is much improved since he represented South Africa in Bucharest in
2013. The replays too show where work has to be done.

In Dota 2, the
Finnish team, ably lead by the world-renown Kalle "Trixi"
Saarinen delivered two resounding defeats on the South
African team. No quarter was given by the Finnish team who
demonstrated why they are the main contenders for the World
Championship title.

However, the
South African team showed remarkable improvement since their
game against Egypt in August. Lessons have been learnt and
the team has improved.

There is still a long road to travel, and much improvement
still needs to be done.

Nevertheless,
the optimism, willingness to learn, and commitment shown by
the South African team bodes well for the remaining test
matches as well as for the actual World Championships.

The on-line test
matches thus provide a valuable platform for the South
African eSports players to test themselves against the
international opposition, have a critical look at their
tactics and prepare for the upcoming 2014 World
Championships to be held in Baku.